The “headstrong” 59-year-old news anchor showed off a gravity-defying gift on Nov. 18, when she interviewed gymnastics star Simone Biles about her new book, Courage to Soar — and ended the interview with an impressive impromptu headstand.

“This was a very spontaneous move,” Couric tells PEOPLE, who received some spotting assistance from Biles. “I just wanted Simone to check out my moves, or more accurately, my move. Unfortunately for me, headstands do not qualify for an Olympic event!”

Biles, born to a mother addicted to drugs and alcohol, was placed in foster care as a young child. Her maternal grandfather, Ron, and his wife, Nellie, took her in soon after.

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“She had a difficult early childhood, but has been adopted by her grandparents, who she calls her mom and dad,” says Couric. “It made me realize what a difference being part of a loving, stable family can make.”